'No old code exists': Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis experience director confirms the 'reimagining' had to be built totally from the ground up on Unreal Engine 5 — but this meant Crystal Dynamics could add more tech upgrades

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis experience director Jeff Adams has confirmed that no remnants of the original 1996 game's code exist. This necessitated the development team to construct the entire experience from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. During a Q&A session at Gamescom following an exclusive presentation, Adams elaborated on the implications of this decision.

Adams explained that building the reimagining on Unreal Engine 5 allowed the studio to create custom technology, enhancing the gameplay experience. "We have our own custom implementation for physics in the engine," Adams stated, emphasizing that this meant engineering their own features, custom physics, and general upgrades. This custom approach was crucial in delivering a truly modern reimagining of the classic title.

Moreover, Adams highlighted how Unreal Engine 5's capabilities extended beyond visual fidelity. While technologies like Nanite and Lumen enabled the creation of stunning game environments, the team recognized the need for additional custom solutions. He provided an example of Lara Croft's long braid, which reacts dynamically to her movements, as a prime instance where a custom solution was developed.

Adams underscored that this level of customization was vital to ensure the authenticity of the Tomb Raider experience on Unreal Engine 5.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is set to launch on February 27, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.